Back to School

This time of year, every piece of junk mail in the letterbox brags about Back to School Savings.

Even though my daughter isn’t yet three, I started wondering about Back To School Costs. It must be difficult to manage – just after Christmas, you’ve had the kids at home for weeks, those extra expenses.

I asked the two most organized working mums I know about their costs, plans and whether they had any tips. Here’s what they said.

Emma, mum to Amelia (11) and Harrison (9), works four days a week.

I buy both kids a new drink bottle, lunch box, pair of shoes, socks, school hat, stationery items (even though school supply some) and pencil case.

I would spend between $250- $300. Most of this money is on shoes. Harry needs a pair every term and Amelia only once a year.

I buy my shoes generally later in the day as people tend not to be at the shops buying school stuff then.

I start putting the kids to bed earlier about ten days before so it’s not such a shock when school goes back.

I also start them reading to me or themselves before bedtime to get started with a homework routine.

Emma is one of my oldest and dearest friends. You can see why.

Kellie, mum to Kiara (6) and Tia (4) said;

My theory is that we can never be too organised. I have always talked to my girls about our plans, what is coming up etc.

We have calendars in the pantry and toilet that have things we are doing – including going back to school/kindy/work. It should not be a night before surprise!

We are also talking about going to bed earlier to get back into learning mode

We just do what we do! No real reason other than sticking with what is working and changing what is not.

5 responses to “Back to School”

I have a son (10) and daughter (8) returning to our local public school this year.
I am fortunate that our school is really big on communication and gives us a huge list (approx 20 items) per child each relating to the class year the child is entering. The school provides this at the end of each year for the following year. These rang from rulers, glue sticks, pencils, usb drives, dictionary, all through to tissues, soap, paper towels for the class for use across the year. This list usually costs me around $150. per child.
By week one of returning to school, yes I received my notes today from school, even though its day 4 of school, this additional list is for exercise books, text books etc costing between $30-$50 per child. Also the swimming carnival note came out with payment due next week and a reminder that there is a P&C meeting in 2 weeks. – School is well and truly back!
In preparing my kids, I ensure that I buy most of my items before Christmas and keep the previous years list handy so I know ball-park what may be required each year. I order new name labels in November and get the kids in the holidays to help label everything and pack their bag. As much as it pains me to do this (they take forever), this really helps them know what they need, where it is, check it off the list and be ready in time for school.
The first two weeks of returning to school, we have a no TV, no playdates, no electronic games, ipods etc rule to ease back into school. This has proved really well in them not feeling rushed, rather focussed on getting their heads into the right place. The kids know this will take place in advance and squeeze their last few tv shows or game in before the end of the holidays.

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